text:
The dirt at Yeehaw?
|Posted by Judi F Radel on December 3, 2013 at 9:15 PM
|comments (0)
The following was supposed to be the Yeehaw Farm October newsletter which never was distributed to our members. Sorry about that. As promised in the November newsletter, here it is. A bit late.
Howdy! October 24, 2013
Every time that sit down to write this monthly newsletter, I can't believe that another month has come and gone since the last newsletter. I guess when you are having a ball in life, it flies by. And I am. Life freakin' rocks on Yeehaw Farm. Not sure that my family, especially my punk kids would agree with that statement but I don't care. I am having a grand ole time and that's all that matters! Ha.
BIG news to report this month. Our cold weather vegetable growing hoop house is finally finished. Five years after we bought it. Yep, that's right, Cranky (that would be Tommy, for those of you who don't follow the infamous muscled arms of my husband on Facebook ) finally finished the hoop house just this week! I am so excited that I could puke. Seriously. I wasn't being my normal sarcastic self with that last statement.
The hoop house is a great story. I think I will share how our 60 foot hoop house came to finally be after all these years. Once upon a time, in the year 2008, I had a vision for our farm to be more self sustaining. Cranky, on the other hand, did not share this plan for our farm because all he ever knew was to be a conventional farmer. Conventional farming and fishing. I had dreams of having year round vegetables to complete our farming operation. I kept bugging, begging, pleading and very annoyingly demanding a hoop house but Cranky just ignored my desires for winter food production. In May of 2008, Cranky had taken his annual weekend fishing/drinking trip with his buddies to West Virginia. This annual rite of passage fishing trip annoyed the hell out of me every year because it was always taken at the busiest time of the spring planting season. Which ticked me off. Staying home with our four punks, milking cows and trying to keep up with the farm always left me with a very piss poor attitude. And a bit of spitefulness. The first evening that Cranky was away, I was perusing the Farm and Garden section on Craig's list. And there it was. My hoop house. My dream. Just waiting for me to answer the ad. I thought to myself, "Self, if you can handle this farm by yourself for four days, you can handle purchasing and dragging home a hoop house by yourself." (A side note- I really need to have a mediator when I start a conversation with myself.)
I set up a time to look at the hoop house and took the checkbook. I need to be honest with you and myself. I had no idea what I was looking at when I finally arrived at the Craig's list hoop house location but I pretended like I did. Disassembled, it just looked like a junk pile of pipe, plastic and metal fittings to which I had no idea how they went together but I didn't care. I was gaining some serious spite on my dear husband
drinking, err…um, fishing in West Virginia. So, I bought it because at the time, it seemed like a really great idea. The hoop house was priced extremely cheap because it needed to be removed off the premises in three days. No problem, I thought to myself again (which always gets me in trouble). The guy selling it kept repeating to me, "Seriously, it has to be removed by Sunday. No later." Again….No problem. I wrote the check, shook hands and told the dude that I would return on Saturday to pick the hoop house up. I drove the 26 miles on Saturday to pick up the hoop house, only to realize the removal of the hoop house was a pretty big job and one that I could not handle myself. I promised to return on Sunday with assistance from Cranky when he returned from West Virginia. Maybe, I couldn't handle all the farm stuff completely all by myself after all but I had sufficiently satisfied my yearning to spite my husband. Waiting patiently all day Sunday for Cranky to return home from his fishing trip, he finally arrived home in the late afternoon and boy, was he ever cranky. And hung over. I hadn't even told him about the hoop house yet. In fact, I couldn't bring myself to mention the hoop house because he was in such a bad mood.
So…resort to plan B. Problem was, I didn't have a plan B. I resolved to myself to figure a way out of this hoop house mess so I drove back to the hoop house location yet again. Another 26 miles, one way. By this time, it was getting dark when I once again pulled up in our farm truck and still didn't have any help to move the pile of hoop house debris. I tried pulling, twisting, shoving and cursing the 16 feet curved metal poles to somehow fit them in our truck bed. They just wouldn't fit. By this time, it was 11:30pm and time was running out. At midnight, I thought for sure that my hoop house would turn into a pumpkin since it was not removed by Sunday. Almost to the point of tears, I sat down on my pile of metal rubble, buried my head into my hands only to be startled by the guy who I purchased the hoop house from gently tapping me on the shoulder asking me to "Please, go home." He would give me another day to try to retrieve my hoop house. Yes! My pitiful self came through yet again. I drove the 26 miles back home, crawled into bed and began planning my assault on the damn hoop house for the next day. I needed to come up with the ultimate plan. I called it, "Operation Hoop House Home". A sleepless night yielded nothing and by the next morning, I still didn't have a productive plan of hoop house assault. Retreating with my white flag, I finally broke down and confided in Cranky. I spoke the words so fast, slurred with a hint of stutter that he couldn't even understand me. "IIIbottttahooooophousetospiteyoouuuuandandandandnowIIIIcan'tgettttithome.Whaaaa."After which, I commenced sucking my thumb in between sobbing for breath.
Boy. I sure showed Cranky that I could handle things myself, didn't I?
Surprisingly, Cranky wasn't upset that I had drained our bank account for a pile of metal poles and plastic. He simply said, "Alright, here's the deal. The farm truck isn't inspected, nor is the trailer that we will need to pick up the hoop house. If you think we can get there today without the cops seeing us, let's go for it." Wait. The farm truck that I had been driving back and forth 26 miles each way wasn't inspected?
Ever the optimist, I figured if the po po hadn't caught me in the three previous round trips, I was sure that I could make it one more time traveling 52 miles without the cops catching up with our illegal truck and trailer. So, we set off on Operation Hoop House Home with a rusty, two tone red and white, 24 year old Dodge farm truck pulling an illegal homemade farm trailer. Surely, no one would notice us.
Our trip to pick up the hoop house was uneventful and we didn't see one cop on the way there. We didn't see any cops because basically, we couldn't see much at all. It was pouring down buckets of rain and the windshield wipers on the old truck broke on our trip. Being the ever ingenious farmers that we are, we found baling twine behind the seat of the truck, in which we tied onto each wiper blade. Cranky with his arm out his side of the truck and me on the other side with my one arm out of my side window pulled the wind shield wipers back and forth across the glass to keep the rain off the windows so that Cranky could see. "Pull!" yelled Cranky as he would finish pulling the wipers towards him. "Pull!" I would yell as the wipers were ready to go Cranky's way. It was almost hypnotic with the wipers swirling back and forth. Surely…no one noticed us hanging out both sides of that old, two tone farm truck pulling an ugly farm trailer in the pouring rain.
Regardless, Cranky kept repeating, in between the word, "Pull!", that I was to keep on the look out for cops. Even though we never saw one cop on the trip, I wondered what we would do if we did see one. What was my genius husband's plan? To hide the old Dodge truck and trailer behind a stop sign, hold our breath and hope that the cop doesn't see us? I still wonder what his plan was but I never bothered to ask. I was too caught up in pulling my side of the windshield wipers so that I could keep up. And I think I might have been temporarily hypnotized with the back and forth motion of the wipers. You keep your eyes on the swaying of windshield wipers for a 26 mile trip and see if you can remain un-hypnotized.
Finally at our designation, we loaded up the hoop house on the trailer and strapped on the plastic and all the extra fittings in the pouring rain. After the windshield wiper ordeal, loading the hoop house was a piece of cake. Cranky and I didn't say much to each other except a few cuss words to the pouring rain. Obviously, the rain was to fault for this whole fiasco.
However, things were looking up. Traveling back up the road on our return trip, the rain subsided a bit so that we only had to swish the wipers on an intermittent basis. Even so, Cranky still reminded me to keep an eye out for the enemy…the police. Again, I wondered what he was going to do if I actually spotted a cop but then decided that Cranky is a twit and that was enough of a conclusion for me.
About three miles from our farm, Cranky and I were both feeling a bit triumphant from Operation Hoop House Home and our evasion of the ever present police. So much so that we decided to stop at the local convenience store to pick up coffees to warm our drenched bodies. Paying for our coffees, we quickly ran back to our illegal vehicle parked next to the curb. I had both coffees in my hands and was trying to open my door while Cranky was stepping over the trailer hitch. I remember hearing a crash, and then tires squealing. Next thing I knew, I was laying on the parking lot, still holding the coffees in the air, trying to avoid spilling them. I heard Cranky bitching and yelling, "What the hell is going on?"
Coming to my senses and still holding the coffees up in the air (because we had just paid for the damn caffeine, I certainly did not want to spill any) I realized as I was rolling around on the parking lot floor that some dude had side swiped our farm truck and then driven off. A hit and run. On my Operation Hoop House Home. Well, the nerve.
When the hit and run driver backed into and then side swiped our truck, Cranky was stepping over the trailer hitch. The collision moved our truck and trailer about four feet taking Cranky down with it. As Cranky was rolling around behind the truck, bitching and moaning, I became pissed that the hit and run driver had, indeed, run off. I got up, still holding the coffee and chased the hit and run driver down the highway, yelling and screaming for him to stop. He drove off, spinning his wheels and burning rubber but…the dofus couldn't escape the eagle eyesight that I possess. I kept repeating his license number as I ran back to the truck (still holding the coffees, mind you) to find Cranky sitting in the front seat, brushing himself off and still asking, "What the hell happened?" My boy is clueless and always will be.
The very first thing that Cranky did after I told him that I remembered the hit and run driver's license plate is pull out his cell phone and called the police.
Yes. Really.
After a three hour trip of trying to avoid the police at all costs, my twit husband simply whips out his cell phone and calls the po po to report a hit and run accident to our illegal farm truck and trailer. Yes. Really.
Sitting there in the front seat of the farm truck (still holding the coffees), feeling smug with ourselves for our detective work, realization finally clicked as we looked over at each other.
Cranky asked, "Did I just call the police on our own illegal truck and trailer?"
"Yep" I answered.
And that is how "Operation Hoop House Home" went down.
|Posted by Judi F Radel on February 7, 2012 at 1:10 PM
|comments (2)
What's this? Another post in a two day period? You will have to forgive me. I have had a cold/flu for several days now and I am deliriously bored. I have tried sleeping (tired of that, yes, pun intended) and watching tv (one can only watch so much iceskating and motorcross before that's gets really old.) I started to read a couple different books but haven't found a book that keeps my attention for long. I have found that I can occupy my time spent resting in bed by writing a few blog posts and downloading a few photos. So, that's what I am doing. Deal with it. I am also a bit testy.
Yesterday's blog post got me thinking about just how my grandparents have influenced us in the way we farm today. The more things change, the more things stay the same.
Yeehaw Farm was my grandfather's farm. Back in the day, my grandfather used horses. My daddy has even used horses until the first tractor came around. After that, he couldn't wait to get rid of those horses. He never liked farming with horses and was none to sorry to see them go. Although, he will concede that horses do a much better job at cultivating than tractors do. That's about all he will concede to horses. "Hayburners" is his nice terminology for horses. I was never allowed to have a horse while growing up because my daddy hated horses so much. He did however, buy me a cow, which I could ride. You see the cow was multi purpose; she could be milked, provide us with calves and I could also ride her. The hay would not be wasted with her.
Here I am riding my cow, Surprise. Check out the ten gallon cowboy hat. Life was good back then, riding off into the sunset with my faithful dog by my side on my cow. Actually riding a cow puts a new spin on the word, "cowgirl"!
This is my grandfather with his team of horses.
I doubt that we will ever go back to farming with horses but I have been giving careful consideration into farming with a team of oxen. I think my daddy would be okay with it since he is the one who steered me towards cows from the beginning. I don't think Cranky is crazy about the idea of oxen but he will get used to it! I am looking at ways to not be so dependent on fossil fuels while farming our land and oxen seem like the perfect fit. Oxen also seem like the happy medium link to my grandparents way of farming and ours. My grandparents were never dependent on fossil fuels when farming with horses. Hopefully, it will be the same way with oxen.
Here is a photo of Tommy combining last year's wheat crop. Trust me, this combine is not fossil fuel friendly. But my point is that much hasn't changed with how we plant, grow, and harvest wheat since my grandparents did it back in the day. While looking at other photos from that day of this year's wheat harvest, I stumbled across Tommy mooning the camera from inside the combine cab. Seriously. Please quit squinting your eyes towards the combine cab. P-pleeze! I did not use that photo. Come on! This is a family oriented blog. I would never show you my husband's ass on this blog. But I will show you...
My grandmother combining wheat in her bra! Yes, the more that things change, the more things stay the same. Evidently, our family has a fetish for exposing themselves while combining wheat. Nice. And this trait will surely be passed down to our punks. God bless them.
Some things do change however. Here is a photo of my momma with her 4H pigs that she raised. When it got time to sell them at the auction, she couldn't do it. She cried so hard that my grandfather told her she didn't have to sell her pigs.
And here is a photo of my son, Boo with his 4H pig from last summer. He couldn't wait to sell that darn pig! No tears were shed fom my boy when that pig went on the auction block. However, I can't say that I didn't cry a tear or two!
Don't mind Boo's blue lips and smile. We decided to take a photo after he had just eaten a blue snow cone. 4Her's are given free snow cones at our county fair and if it anythings says "Free", my punks are first in line. Plus, their momma would never, ever buy them a snow cone so they jump on any chance they can to eat the forbidden junk food!
More old photos and commentary to follow in upcoming blog posts about my farming heritage. Keep an eye out.
|Posted by Judi F Radel on February 6, 2012 at 9:35 AM
|comments (6)
Remember Mennie from the last blog post? This is Mennie all grown up, with baling twine, corn cobs, cob webs and blood running down her head. What the heck did we do to her? No, it wasn't some type of satanic ritual. We cut Mennie's horns off.
When Tommy bought Mennie as a little heifer calf, it was a bit hectic on the farm that summer. Fast forward over two years, I can report that our lives haven't eased up much. The rest of that summer would have been the perfect time to remove Mennie's horns when she was a calf. It just never got done. Unfortunately, that's how we roll around here...projects evenually get done- we just don't know when? Months, years, decades? Who knows with our family?
We try to keep up with dehorning calves, goats and anything else with horns on this farm. We don't like horns on our animals. It's a safety issue for us as well as our other animals. When an animal has horns, you can bet your buttered biscuits that that animal knows how to use their horns to get what they want. Although Mennie was fairly gentle around us with her horns, she wasn't so nice to the other cows and little calves. She would butt the other dairy cows with her horns to eat all the grain at the feeder. Basically, she was a bully. With the exception of our old family milkcow, "Milkcow" (original name, aye?) who doesn't let anyone or anything tell her what to do, Mennie was our version of the bully kid at school who steals the little kids lunch money, makes snide, derogatory comments and acts like a dimwit. Yep, that was our Mennie, the dimwit.
We kept putting off dehorning Mennie because first, it was summer, then she was pregnant with her calf, then she had such a hard delivery that we wanted to make sure she was healthy before we added anymore stress to her body. Fast forward to this past week; it's winter, she is recovered from delivery and she was becoming an even bigger bully with the other cows. Milkcow was the only one who could keep her straight but Milkcow couldn't settle all the disputes all the time. You know, Milkcow does have to take time for herself once in a while. Chewing her cud, basking in the sun and relaxing are how Milkcow likes to spend her days. If I would allow her to get a pedicure, she would be all over it.
Being the dimwit that Mennie is, she put her head and horns in a hayrack that she shouldn't have and got her head stuck. This is another valid reason not to have horns on animals; getting their horns stuck in fences, hayracks, etc. can often lead to death or other damage. We have a momma goat that got her horns stuck in a fence, laid in the hot sun for a few hours and until we found her, was on death's door. The goat survived but she definitely has brain damage. It's hard to tell when goats have brain damage because they are so goofy anyway but this girl has never fully recovered. Since Mennie was already stuck and wasn't going anywhere, it was the perfect opportunity for Cranky to cut those horns off.
When cutting off horns, there are a few items that you need to round up from around the farm first.
Here are the cattle dehorners. These are really old and are normally found hanging in our barn. (Duh! This is where we would need them so they should be kept in the barn but there was that one time that the dehorners couldn't be found anywhere on the farm so my daddy used a chainsaw to cut the horns off of a cow. Yeah. No kidding. Don't mess with my daddy, man. My daddy has always danced to the beat of his own drum his whole life.)
The dehorners look like some type of medieval contraptions, don't they? This particular dehorner is probably from the early 1900's so it's a possibility that they are over a hundred years old. And they still work just as good as they did hundred years ago. I know they are old because on this farm, we don't throw anything a way...EVER. We keep things forever. This can be seen as a good thing, if you like family history, sentimental items and never having to purchase things at the store because..."oh, there is one of those things laying around the farm, somewhere. It was your grandfather's." Oh my God, I have heard those words uttered a time or two in my lifetime.
If I ever thought about really getting into homesteading and taking up blacksmithing? My great grandfather's anvil is on the farm somewhere. Milking cows with a vacuum pump? Milker buckets from when my parents gave up milking cows are in the crawl space above a shed somewhere on the farm. Fixing up a Model T Ford? The steering wheel column is laying on a pile of stones...somewhere on the farm. There is also an old firetruck sitting in our pasture and an United States mailtruck in another pasture. Not sure what I could do with those but everyone needs a firetruck and a mailtruck, right? One never knows. Are you getting the picture, that whatever I need to pursue whatever tickles my fancy is probably here...somewhere on our farm.
But I digress. Back to the dehorning Mennie story.
After gathering up all the necessary items, Cranky whipped those horns off Mennie's head in a flash. It was a pretty simple process actually. First, he tied baling twine around the top of her head, acting like a tourniquet. He then placed corn cobs under the baling twine so that the twine didn't dig into her head. Next, he fanangled the dehorners around her horn, used his massive bulging forearm muscles (swooning here...please ignore this wife as she embellishes the story with adjectives to describe her hottie husband) and ever so quickly clipped off her horn. He did the same thing to her other horn, sprayed the Blu kote on both horn nubs, and then patted each nub with cobwebs to stop the bleeding. Why cobwebs? Because that's how my daddy did it when he dehorned cows, that's how my grandfather did it when he dehorned cows, that's how my great grandfather did it when he dehorned cows...are you seeing a pattern here? Wait...to be honest, I never knew my great grandfathers so I have no idea if they dehorned cows this way or not. I'm assuming they did...where else would my grandfather learned this method from? Maybe a sustainable agriculture conference in 1922? Regardless, not only do we keep many material things from my grandfathers', we honor their spirit by using the same farming techniques that they used . And yes, our punk children were helping with dehorning cows so I'm sure that they will dehorn their own cows the way their grandfather's did before them, if cattle are in their future. In fact, their job was to gather the cob webs and pat it down on the horn nub. So, again, why the cob webs? Cob webs very effectively stop the bleeding on the horn nub. You don't believe me? Ask any old time cattle farmer and I'm sure they will tell you the same method. Or better yet, next time you get a hemoraging gash on your body, put some cobwebs on it to stop the bleeding.
No worries, Mennie is fine. She didn't tell me if it hurt or not (unfortunately, I am not a cow whisperer and I don't speak fluent cow) but she didn't seem to mind as she continued eating out of the hayrack. She did seem a little ticked at me at milking time that evening but she is probably just mad that she can't be the dimwit bully on the farm anymore.
|Posted by Judi F Radel on January 2, 2012 at 3:10 PM
|comments (1)
Remember this girl? I have a photo of her in our farm photos that I posted two years ago. I believe the caption says something like, "A future dairy cow?" Well, guess what? Two years later...she is a milk producing cow on Yeehaw Farm. Her name is Mennie. Yeah...I know...that's an odd name for a cow. Do you honestly expect anything less than a weird name for our animals? My punks named her and of course, there is a reason behind her odd name. (Read no farther, unless you want to hear the story of how Mennie got her name.) Otherwise, have a nice day and maybe next time, I will post something that you want to read about.
Back to Mennie. Over two years ago, I tested positive for Lyme disease. It was during the summer; farmer's markets were in full swing, our CSA was in it's inaugural season and our butts were hopping on the farm trying to keep up with summer and all it's growing. My doctor called with the results and asked me to stop by the hospital to have another test done as I had some especially high levels of some medical jargin (that I have never been able to remember). I said, "Sure, I will stop after farmer's market today." My doctor hestitated a bit but then, remembering that I am indeed a knothead, figured that he might as well be happy with that concession on my part. So, after farmer's market, I drove myself to the hospital, walked into the emergency room and there began my nightmare. I was strapped down, told that I would only feel a pinch and that I would have to remain laying down for the next 6 hours after the white coated dudes preformed a spinal tap. What? I agreed to come in for a test, not mini vacation on my back. And that pinch? "Just a pinch", my ass! That freakin' needle hurt like...well, you know?! Six hours later, the dudes in the white coats decided my fate that I was staying at the hospital for a few days hooked up to intervenous fluid. Feel good drugs? Really? Normally, I would say, "Yeehaw! Let's do it!" because, you know, I am game for a good time almost anytime but not so much that time of year when we are so busy on the farm. They still had me strapped down so I really couldn't get out of there without some nurse catching me and a major incident. I had visions of nurses chasing me out of the hospital, me still attached to my IV, dressed in my hospital gown, with my back side exposed. Now, that's a visual most of you would like to shake off right now, aye? "Alright, I'll stay, you talked me into it with your scare tactics." I conceded. Plus, the feel good drugs were making me really happy and feel really special.
The doctor's said that I had the early on set of Lyme disease meningitis but with continuous intervenous drugs, I should be good to go in a few days. Okay.
But let's think this scenario through a bit more. I was going to be staying in the hospital, away from my farm for a week. Away from my babies for a week? Away from my husband, my elderly parents, my blind brother for a week? No cooking? Cleaning? Baling hay? Pulling weeds? The blasted laundry? I was totally cool about all of this until...I realized that my husband would have to milk all of the goats and our one family milkcow. Crap. This is the man who NEVER wanted to milk anything if we were going to farm together? The man who said that I could keep a family milk cow on the farm but I always had to be the one who milked her. Oh. Crap.
I called Tommy and told him that I had to stay in the hospital. Would he be able to manage without me? He must have been reading my mind because he said, "Yeah, I'll manage but...what about the milking?"
So, began my long hospital days of laying in bed, nurses waiting on me, bringing me food on a platter, 105 television stations and lots of time on my hands. Seriously, who needs 105 television stations? But honestly, I was enjoying myself. Who wouldn't? Until I got a phone call from Tommy. He was at the barn with all four of our kids, trying to finish up the evening barn chores. And trying to milk. He had managed to milk the goats but the family milk cow was giving him a bit of a hard time. I heard kids screaming, cows mooing, pigs squealing, goats, cats, dogs, and my husband cursing...all in the background cell noise. It was nice to hear home. Then my husband said, "If I put the phone up to the milk cow's ear, will tell her to leave her milk down for me?" (Yeah, I know...I am still laughing 2 1/2 years later!) Bless his heart...my husband was trying to milk the family cow.
That whole week, Tommy never visited me in the hospital. Nor the kids, or my other immediate family. I know the nurses didn't believe me that I had a husband or kids because they never saw them...not once. I suppose this may be hard to understand to those of you who don't live on a farm but my farming friends will totally understand why no one came to see me in the hospital. Days are long on a farm, especially in the summer time but they are never long enough to get everything done. Hospital visiting hours aren't exactly condusive with farmer's hours. Until Tommy got everything done on the farm for the day, it was time to put the kids to bed and call it a night. I know Tommy felt bad about not visiting but I understood. I really did. (But you can bet your butt that I bring it up in every fight we have had since that time! "Well, remember that time when I was in the hospital?...You NEVER came to see me!" It's pathetic how low I will go to win a fight.)
As promised at the end of the week, I was allowed to return home, free of that pesky needle, plastic tubing and bag of happy juice. I drove myself home to our farm. (Seriously, don't be that impressed with my independence. Aside from 105 television stations, three meals a day, and the private room, most of my time in the hospital was spent curled up in the fetal position, sobbing, sucking my thumb and missing home.)
I was greeted with hugs, kisses and happiness that their momma, wife, daughter, sister was home and alive. I'm still wondering what exactly Tommy told our kids about my absence because they sure did have a hard time believing that I was still alive. Upon my arrival, Tommy told me that he was sorry that he didn't visit me in the hospital or bring me get well flowers. But he did have something for me in the barn. I walked to the barn to find a little Jersey/ Holstein heifer calf. Seriously? Get well flowers?...p-pleeze! A future milk cow is way better than flowers anyday! This could only mean one thing. Tommy was conceeding that I could have more than one milk cow on the farm. Yay! And as much as I would love for all of you to say, "awww, isn't Tommy sweet?" Truth is...he bought the calf to suck the milk cow dry so that he wouldn't have to milk while I was in the hospital. And the only calf that he could find in quick order was a heifer calf.
I still got another diary calf and that's all that mattered. I left our punks name the calf and they came up with Mennie to always remember the week that their momma was in the hospital with meningitis. Evidently, it wasn't traumatic enough for them to remember that week without the help of a future dairy cow's name.
And that, my friends is how Mennie got her name and how a short story gets turned into a really long one.
|Posted by Judi F Radel on October 13, 2011 at 8:55 PM
|comments (1)
I usually try to keep my blog posts upbeat and positive but this one? I will be upfront about it; it's a bummer post.
So, everyone knows the story that Cranky always said that if we had to milk cows to keep farming, well, we weren't going to farm. I just love reminding him of that now false statement...every chance that I can. That's why I bring it up so often.
Who is Cranky, you ask? Cranky is my husband, my partner in this marriage, the man that I started dating I was 16 years old and married way too young, the father of my four punks or what's the new term, their "baby daddy"? The man that still makes me swoon and weak in the knees like he did when I was 16. The man who makes me so mad; furious is more like it with his stupid ideas, religious and political views. Oh, don't get me started on his political opinions. I only go to the voting polls to cancel out his vote. Someone has to do it...it's one of my many jobs. He is the man who has been opposed to many of my well thought out and ingenious ideas. (Okay, granted, over the years, a
few, err...I mean a lot of my ideas have been pretty lame.) So, Cranky is my soul mate. Whoa. That's a pretty strong word. How about "my life mate"? So, contrary to his nickname, he is pretty great guy, except that he can get really cranky. Thus the name. Especially when he needs a chew. Yes...he has that disgusting habit too. Now that we have established who Cranky is and his preferred tobacco habits, I will go on with this blog post.
So, back to this milking cows thing. Cranky NEVER wanted to milk cows or goats or sheep and especially not water buffalo. I'm not milking water buffalo...yet. But we do have milk cows, dairy goats and milking sheep on the farm now which is pretty funny considering how much he NEVER wanted to milk any animal.
But I had this idea to start our Whole Diet CSA, which would involve providing our members with?...you got it, milk. Our one family milk cow wasn't going to cut it to provide 5 families with enough milk so I talked him into getting two more dairy cows. That was all well and good until we had to dry one up to calve and then, the other had to be dried up. For my non farming readers, cows should be "dried up" or not milked to give them a rest before they calf again. The dried up time period is usually 60 days. That's a long time to rely on one cow again to feed all those mouths but not enough time for the cow, if you ask me. I know as I nursed my babes to my breasts and if I only had 60 days in between those little milk sucking monsters, I would have gone nuts. Off track again. Back to the milk cow story. So, I talked him into purchasing yet another cow. Problem was, until I finally got him talked into it and we scraped up the money for another cow, (Geez...milk cows are expensive!) we had a hard time locating a cow within our price range. When we went milk cow shopping (that's a term that not many people will ever get a chance to use!), the price of milk was up which meant that the dairy farmers that we knew weren't dumping any of their cows because they needed all the milk that they could get in their milk tank. We finally found one dairy farmer who felt sorry for us and said, "yes, I will sell you one of my cows." When we went to his farm to pick up a cow, he gave us the choice of one of four cows. A two year old Jersey who wasn't milking that great and was a little skittish...ah, I don't think so. We need milk. That was the point of the new cow. Duh. Two of the other allotted Jerseys were three teaters but were bred back (Non farmer readers; it means they were preggers again), which also meant that they were more expensive. And the last cow...she had hip problems. Her hip made a clicking noise but she was milking good and all of her teats were in working order. And she was cheap. That also translates into, "We'll take her, let's get her loaded on the trailer before my wife talks me into yet another dairy cow."
So, we bought Lala and brought her home to Yeehaw. She worked out well for about...oh, I don't know...two weeks? Then the hip problem really became a major issue. We thought if she was out on pasture, in the sunshine and not on concrete barn floors all the time, her hip would get better. That seems logical, right? As many of you know, shoot, the sun didn't show it's face for weeks on end around these parts in Pennsylvania. And I guess making her walk a 1/4 mile two times a day just didn't cut it for that already sore hip.
We penned Lala up in the barn hoping to bring her back to health. Evidently, the taste of green grass was too much for her and sore hip or not, she busted out of barn and made her way back to the pastures. New plan; instead of making her walk back and forth to the barn, I handmilked her in the pasture. The hip issue must have caused more problems than we thought because she developed mastitus (non farming readers, you must learn more about farming from someone other than me but I will tell you what mastitus is; an infection in the teats) and became weaker and weaker. It was getting that we would go down to the field, with a couple extra sets of muscles from our workforce, (Um, yeah, that would be our punk kids.) and physically pull, pry, shove and lift her up as she couldn't even get up anymore.
Farming realization #1. Lala's quality of life really sucked.
Farming realization #2. Lala was never going to get better.
Farming realization #3. As the new caretakers of Lala, (the registration papers prove it), it was our humane and ethical responsibility to make sure she wasn't miserable anymore.
This is the part that is a bummer. So, Lala is no longer with us...only in spirit. Even though, she was only with our family and farm for a few, short months, we became attached to her in that short amount of time. She provided our family and other families with nutrition, freely giving of her milk to share with others. She was a good ol' cow.
There is a saying that most farmers I know use. "You have livestock? You have dead stock." I hate that saying. I also hate all the other euphamisms to explain our time here on this Earth and the correlation between all living things and life.
My mother has always shared, "Oh, tomorrow's a better day." That one is okay but I don't know that it really explains how I feel about losing Lala.
My farming language...plain and simple. It just sucks.
Rest in peace, Lala or in green pastures.
|Posted by Judi F Radel on October 7, 2011 at 11:40 AM
|comments (0)
Since I am such an unbelievably organized person, I have already decided on my 2012 New Year's Resolution. (Cough, gag, sputter...what? Organized? Me? Hardy har, har! Obviously, my true calling is a comedian, instead of a farmer.) So, anyway, what was I talking about? Oh, yeah. Right. My New Year's Resolution.
Keep in mind that I don't normally make New Year's Resolution because 1. I don't keep them. 2. I think they are silly. Why wait until the start of a new year to begin this supposed new phase in your life? Start right away. Start the day that you decide that you are going to do something different with your life. That said, I am planning on starting my 2012 New's Resolution early...like today.
Drum roll, please...my 2012 New Year's Resolution is to keep up with this farm blog on a more regular basis. Except in the spring and summer when I am off grid. And too busy to report on all the farm happenings. For six months out of the year, I plan to be more accessible and ready to roll out the presses for the farm releases.
So, you say, what is happening on Yeehaw Farm these days?
Hmmm. Well. Hmmm. Not much. It's pretty boring on the farm lately. Well, okay, I lie. Actually, we aren't as busy this time of year as we were over this past spring and summer but things have calmed down a little. I can now resume breathing. Ahhh, air in my lungs, oh how I have missed you!
With fall finally in the air, the last few days have been a blessing compared to the extremely wet, recording breaking precipitation filled year. I love fall on the farm. I love the harvest and getting ready to bunker down for the winter. Even though, we haven't finished the vegetable season for 2011, I am looking forward to the 2012 growing season. I am considering different ways to do things in crop production that could make things easier and more efficient.
Want to read something funny? I started this blog entry last Friday and it's now...what day of the week? Um...yeah, I think it's Wednesday. So much for my resolution. Thank goodness that I started in October, two months before the actual resolution has to be taken seriously.
I just hope that when it's time for my final days on this Earth, that I still lack time management skills and miss my own funeral. This is the only time that I can think of that my lacking skill will be beneficial.
Until then...I will do better with this blog. Promise. (With my fingers crossed!)
|Posted by Judi F Radel on December 15, 2010 at 12:24 PM
|comments (0)
As I sit here at my computer keyboard, I have a million other tasks that need to be started, or completed. Like my Christmas tree as it sits in my living room, undecorated, leaning cock eyed in old stainless steel milker bucket. I really should take the time to at least string some lights on it. Maybe I will get to it...maybe I won't. Or my mountain of laundry that never ends. I should really take the time to try to wash, fold and put some of it away. Inevitably, it ends on up on a pile on our pool table, unsorted, unfolded, strewn together like interwoven basket of choas. At least, it's clean laundry. I can usually manage to get it washed and dried. It's the sorting, folding and putting away that always snags me up. I have a million of these excuses as to why I haven't blogged in coon's age. I have a New's Year's resolution to keep up with my blogging but that's not until New Year's so I still have some time to goof off. I better go. That Christmas tree of ours really needs decorated.
|Posted by Judi F Radel on January 28, 2010 at 9:00 AM
|comments (1)
And here I am, deferring you to my other personal blog because...well...I don't really have a good reason. Check out http://cheesychick.wordpress.com for my latest blog entry.
I'm not sure exactly what I have been doing that I don't have time to post a blog on here but it seems that I just don't have time. Truth is, I don't use my time wisely. I would much rather sit on my bum and eat my bon-bons. (My favorite thing to do in life!)
No, really, we have been working on our newest endeavor more so than anything lately. Remember the Cool Beans CSA that my farmer's market partner and myself are starting this year? It is officially open for members. If interested in our CSA membership or finding out what a CSA is, please check out www.coolbeanscsa.com/home/. It's a good read as Katie, my partner in crime writes the blog for that website.
It's almost the end of January. I find myself longing for spring when in plain words, "All hell breaks loose on the farm!" Spring is a time for new babies, getting fields ready to begin the season, and trying to play catch up on all the projects we should have completed over the winter (but just couldn't get done because of all the time spent eating bon-bons!). It's a time for rebirth and new birth. Our greatest new birth this year will most definitely be the CSA. I must admit that I am a bit nervous, anxious and most definitely excited. Katie and I have grand plans for our CSA.
Another new birth on our farm this spring will be the opening of our farm stand. The farm stand will serve two purposes. It will be a place for our CSA members to pick up their goodies as well as place for us to sell more of our farm products, right on the farm. Just a head's up to any potential visitors to the farm stand. We live 2 miles off of a main highway and back a long lane but the scenery is beautiful. It is a beautiful drive to pick up some farm fresh products. (Especially, if you drive up on one of the days that our hottie neighbor is mowing her lawn in her bikini! Ha ha he he.)
So, that's what is keeping me busy these days...dreams of spring and all the new happenings here on Yeehaw.
Oh, and that box of bon-bons too.
|Posted by Judi F Radel on January 11, 2010 at 9:58 AM
|comments (0)
So, here I am at a crossroads, so to speak. I need to blog on this website to keep it fresh and so you know what's going on at Yeehaw Farm. But I already have another personal blog which I updated yesterday (1/10/10). I can't think of any new material to blog about today. You see, my brain is mush. I'm tired and I have a lot to do today...half of which is not going to get done anyway.
So, what do I do? Do I continue my personal blog, do I try to maintain both or do I put all emphasis on this one? I'm confused. Today, just for the sake of getting something on this farm blog, I am going to link you to my personal blog which is really about the farm anyway. So, check it out and in the future, I hope to have some fresh material on both blogs.
The other blog is http://cheesychick.wordpress.com. If you check it out, it will explain the dead fish photo at the top of this blog.
Until later, my friends.
|Posted by Judi F Radel on
|comments (0)
Twin lambs born on Yeehaw Farm (1/22/14)
As you can see from the photo, lambing season has started on Yeehaw Farm. As I type this, only three ewes have lambed but we are patiently waiting for the rest of the girls to get busy and push those babies out. Also expected to make appearances soon are kid goats. We haven't had baby goats on Yeehaw Farm in almost two years as we didn't get one goat last kidding season. The previous fall, our buck goat developed a hernia making him unable to perform his duties. Goats and sheep are seasonal breeders, meaning that they only come into heat a couple months out of the year, usually in the fall so that babies can be born in the spring. It makes perfect sense, really. The lambs and kids are born in the early spring and get a solid start by nursing off of the mother' milk until they learn to eat on their own. By that time, the grass turns green and when released out to pasture, they hit the ground knowing exactly what to do to replenish their bodies. Some farmers will give hormone shots to bring the goats and sheep into heat so that babies can be born throughout the year but we feel that is seriously messing with nature. Rest assured, the lamb and goat meat that you eat from Yeehaw Farm will NEVER have hormone shots tainted in the meat.
Oh, and about that buck goat that couldn't do his job? He was quickly replaced by a super stud who could!
This week, there is whole smoked chicken in the freezer. We hope that you enjoy the flavor and smokiness of the chicken. In my opinion, it tastes a similar to ham. The chicken is almost fully cooked so to prepare, we usually place it in a pan of water and bake (on low heat) until really tender. Just like one would roast a regular chicken. Our own family enjoyed a meal of smoked chicken one night and the next night, I picked off the chicken, threw some potatoes and green beans into the broth and served a meal much like ham and green beans. Two quick meals out of one chicken.
The chicken just came out of the smoke house this week and for some reason, I had a difficult time vacuum sealing them. So, rest assured, if the bag is not fully sealed, it has only been frozen since Tuesday. We will have more smoked chicken this winter but for this first batch out of the smoker, we asked that you only took one chicken to start.
Another item that it is in short supply this time of year is eggs. The chickens do not lay as many eggs these cold days so we are asking our members to bear with us. We have enough eggs for each family to get one dozen eggs a week so we are limiting eggs until production goes back up. Thanks for understanding.
This coming week, we have marked our calendars to process two pigs, one goat, two beefs, a couple veal calves and more chickens. Next week, we hope to have fresh chicken and we will put more chicken in the brine for more smoked chicken. Hopefully, the freezer will be fully stocked with a nice meat selection next weekend. With the exception of beef, as it will have to dry age and hang for at least three weeks so it will be a bit longer for beef. If anyone would like a fresh beef heart, liver or tongue, please let us know and we will have it ready for you next weekend.
How about this cold Pennsylvania weather this year? Not to rub it in but just last week, I returned from a week long trip to warm, sunny Florida! It wasn't exactly a vacation as I attended the National Farmer's Union Women's Conference in Clearwater Beach, Florida. It was a conference for national farm policies and training sessions, which will definitely help us in the future. It was an honor to be in the company of women farmers from all over the United States who share the same passion and work ethic of preserving America's family farms. I also had the privilege of meeting the current Deputy Secretary of Agriculture, Krysta Harden who spoke at the conference and shared dinner with us. Although our days were packed to the gills, I did get a chance to slip my toes into the Gulf of Mexico more than a few times as our hotel was located directly on the beach. (Sorry, I just had to rub it in a little.) Alas, don't be too jealous, my trip to Florida included riding in a passenger van with ten women for 20 hours each way! Need I say more? Ha.
Don't forget our pond is frozen and ready for ice fishing. There is a bit too much snow for ice skating but you are welcome to try it if you like. Just call or email to let us know if you would like to try any of those winter activities! If we are stuck with this cold weather, we might as well enjoy some fun winter activities.
Until next newsletter-
Your Yeehaw farmers,
Tom, Judi, and the rest of the gang.


text:
Make Your Own Fitness Plan With These Great Tips
A fitness routine need not be the things of which nightmares are made. It is essential to let these feelings go, and enjoy your health. The information in this article will help you get started quickly.
wholesale maxman 40%
wholesale USA black gold male sex pills
Vary your exercise activities so you can get the best results. If a person typically uses a treadmill, he could switch things up by taking a run around the block. Running outdoors feels differently from working out on equipment, and will effect your body in different ways. The body can only keep on improving when it is constantly challenged with new and different routines.
A good tip to keeping in good shape is joining a health club and when you do, pay for a few months upfront. The guilt you will feel by not using the club will hopefully get you to go more often than you normally would. Of course, this is something you should do primarily if you have issues committing to a specific location.
An excellent investment for people who are determined to improve their current level of fitness is a personal trainer. A trainer not only provides professional insight, but they can motivate you to continue with your fitness routine. Make sure that a personal trainer is right for you before you hire one.
To gain strength and stamina, do the same number of repetitions in 10 percent less time. Your muscles, then, will need to work that much more to meet the demand you are placing on it. Plus, it will increase your overall endurance levels too. As an example, during your next workout session, trim 2 minutes off of your 20 minute routine.
Try fitness classes with your friends to increase your level of motivation. Changing things regularly can open your mind to new things and keep you motivated. Try kickboxing or yoga. If you really want to get creative you could try a kickboxing class. The great thing about trying different classes is that you need not return to any you don't like, and you'll still be working out productively throughout the trial process.
By varying exercise activities, one can maximize the benefits their body receives. If someone typically runs on a treadmill, for instance, he or she can change it up by jogging around the neighborhood. Walking on a sidewalk is different than walking on a treadmill. By varying exercises, the body is not permitted to get used to a certain exercise, and this encourages weight loss to continue.
While indoor treadmills provide great exercise, running in the outdoors is far more strenuous. Treadmills offer convenience and are ideal for use during inclement weather, but running on the pavement is more beneficial.
Try out kickboxing. Everyone who tries kickboxing sweats. This workout will increase your overall strength as well as burn a significant amount of calories.
When cycling, keep your pace steady. By pedaling too quickly, you will become tired very fast. So keep a good and steady pace, one that is going to make you break a sweat. If you pedal at a good pace you will feel if something is starting to pull in your body.
When trying to get fit, avoid all the questionable methods that you see on television or on the Internet.
About the Author
|Noud Sandberg
Albany-born Emery interests include chinese sex pills, history, bird watching. Last but not least he gets gets his motivation through getting together with his close friends.

subset: commoncrawl


text:
New Trailer has just been released for "The Jungle Book" movie. I'm not sure where I stand on it just yet but it looks visually amazing! What are your thoughts?
This site is in no way endorsed, authorized, or affiliated with the Walt Disney Company, for official information visit disney.com


text:
Dining Room Wall Decor Pinterest is one of increased niche at the moment. We know it from google engine data such as adwords or google trends. In an effort to provide useful information to our followers, we've attempted to obtain the nearest relevance picture about Dining Room Wall Decor Pinterest. And here you can see now, this picture have already been taken from reliable resource.
This picture has been posted by the author of this blog. You are able to view additional helpful reports in category for this post: Dining Room, category.
About ♦ Contact ♦ Privacy Policy ♦ Terms of Service ♦ Copyright/IP Policy
Copyright © 2017 · Gajeebo.com - Dining Room Decorating Ideas. All Rights Reserved.
Any content, trademark/s, or other material that might be found on the Gajeebo.com website that is not Gajeebo.com's property remains the copyright of its respective owner/s.
In no way does Gajeebo.com claim ownership or responsibility for such items, and you should seek legal consent for any use of such materials from its owner.


text:
Recent Posts
Recent Comments
Monthly Archives: October 2016
Franchise Agreements extended
The continuing Sales growth of Concrete Taxi now sees extensions of the Franchise Agreements by several franchisees, together with refurbishments of their vehicles to be able to better service our growing market. In Perth, Trevor Smith, Brad Vickers and Alan … Continue reading
Posted in franchise-page, News Leave a comment
Sydney Concrete Taxi training/r&m base established
The development of Concrete Taxi in the Sydney metropolitan area is seen as a key in the expansion of Concrete Taxi franchise system. In order to support new franchises, Concrete Taxi has taken on a warehouse/office unit in the centrally … Continue reading
Posted in News Leave a comment


text:
3 Tips For Staying On Track With Your New Year's Health Resolutions
Every year around the holiday season, people begin thinking up all of the different New Year's resolutions that they want to make for themselves going in to the new year. Some are personal, such as starting a new hobby or traveling more often, while others are work or business related. However, each and every year, some of the most popular New Year's resolutions by far are the ones that pertain to our health and fitness.
It is natural to want to get back into better shape after a busy couple months of holiday feasting, Christmas cookies and Thanksgiving leftovers. However, the goal of actually getting into a healthier mindset and maintaining your health all year long is something that is a little more challenging, as it usually means switching up daily routines and dieting habits that are engrained in our minds.
However, starting the new year off in a healthier mindset, and living more health-conscious all year long, can be a very positive change in both your life and the life of your entire family. Therefore, to get you started with being more healthy and active, here are three tips for starting your year off right:
1. Make Small, Gradual Changes
One of the reasons why many people often give up on their New Year's resolutions just a few weeks in is because they made too drastic of changes or because they are trying to keep up with too many at once. If you stack on your resolutions too high, you are much more likely to want to cheat or give up, rather than just starting slow and gradually. Therefore, don't jump into 3 changes at once. Stick with one resolution for a few weeks until it has become a habit, then slowly add one or two more until they all become part of your routine.
2. Make Food and Fitness Changes A Family Affair
If you try to make a drastic health food or fitness changes all by yourself, it will be much harder for you to maintain when you see your friends and family pigging out on all of your favorite desserts or snacks. Therefore, why not get the whole family involved in your resolutions? People who make changes as part of a group are much more likely to stick with them in the long run, and then your family will also be able to benefit from the many health changes that you are undergoing together.
3. Look Into Fun, Family-Friendly Ways To Exercise
Exercise doesn't always have to be hard work. Sometimes it can be fun, exciting and thrilling! It all just depends on what type of exercise of physical activity you are participating in. The Dallas YMCA offers a number of family-friendly fitness activities, such as family camps or sports leagues, that will have your entire family excited to participate. Plus, when exercise is more fun, you are much more likely to keep at it!
What are you best tips for staying healthy and fit in the new year? Have you already made your New Year's resolutions? Let us know in the comments below! Also be sure to contact the Dallas YMCA today to learn more about how you can take your fitness and health plans to the next level.


text:
Picture attached: left to right: Wayne Wright – Deputy Principal Curriculum and Skills Sussex Downs College, Keith Pailthorpe – Principal Eastbourne Academy, Sarah Davies – Opt-In+ and Stephen Lloyd MP
Stephen Lloyd MP recently visited Sussex Downs College together with head teachers from local Eastbourne schools to be briefed by college staff on the 14-16 Opt-in+ programme.
The programme is all about reengagement for pupils who for a broad range of reasons find it difficult to attend school and complete their studies. The partnership between the schools and the college is key to future success. Sarah Davies, Opt-in+ support worker outlined the weekly development programme for the young people.
Stephen Lloyd MP said: "I am really pleased to support Sussex Down's Opt In Programme. It's another good jobs initiative from our local college, and it's a powerful illustration of just how committed Sussex Downs is to supporting young people who are struggling, and I share their commitment 100%."
Sarah said: "Opt-in+ for young people in years 10 and 11 is an intensive personal development programme for those who are having trouble with poor behaviour in school. The small team works together to develop and practise a range of personal strategies to help cope with the challenges of school, both academically and socially. The aim is for young people to turn things around, achieve their GCSEs and progress positively in school, onto college or employment.
"Following the eight weeks programme we are developing a range of support mechanisms for the young person including peer support in the schools. In this way we can put in place safety frameworks that will help these young people succeed into the future."
Views: 297
Add a Comment
© 2018 Created by FEnews. Powered by
Badges | Report an Issue | Privacy Policy | Terms of Service


text:
Astronomers discover white dwarf stars with pure carbon atmospheresNovember 24th, 2007 - 1:31 pm ICT by admin
Washington, Nov.24 (ANI): Astronomers at the Steward Observatory in the University of Arizona have discovered white dwarf stars with pure carbon atmospheres. The stars were discovered among 10,000 new white dwarf stars found in the Sloan Digital Sky Survey. The survey, known as the SDSS, found about four times as many white dwarf stars previously known.
Claiming that this discovery could offer a unique view into the hearts of dying stars, astronomer Patrick Dufour said these stars possibly evolved in a sequence that were not known before.
They may have evolved from stars that are not quite massive enough to explode as supernovae but are just on the borderline, he added.
"We've found stars with no detectable traces of helium and hydrogen in their atmospheres. We might actually be observing directly a bare stellar core. We possibly have a window on what used to be the star's nuclear furnace and are seeing the ashes of the nuclear reaction that once took place," said Dufour and his colleagues.
Dufour, UA astronomy Professor James Liebert and their colleagues at the Universite de Montreal and Paris Observatory have published the results in the November 22 issue of Nature.
Astronomers believe that convection in the helium zone dredges up carbon from the star's carbon-oxygen core.
Dufour developed a model to analyze the atmospheres of DQ stars as part of his doctoral research at the Universite de Montreal. His model simulated cool DQ stars, stars at temperatures between 5,000 degrees and 12,000 degrees Kelvin. For reference, our sun's surface temperature is around 5,780 degrees Kelvin.
When Dufour joined Steward Observatory in January, he updated his code to analyze hotter stars, stars as hot as 24,000 degrees Kelvin.
"When I first started modeling the atmospheres of these hotter DQ stars, my first thought was that these are helium-rich stars with traces of carbon, just like the cooler ones," Dufour said.
"But as I started analyzing the stars with the higher temperature model, I realized that even if I increased the carbon abundance, the model still didn't agree with the SDSS data," Dufour said.
In May 2007, "out of pure desperation, I decided to try modeling a pure-carbon atmosphere. It worked. I found that if I calculated a pure carbon atmosphere model, it reproduces the spectra exactly as observed. No one had calculated a pure carbon atmosphere model before. No one believed that it existed. We were surprised and excited," Dufour said.
Dufour and his colleagues have identified eight carbon-dominated atmosphere white dwarf stars among about 200 DQ stars they've checked in the Sloan data so far.
The great mystery is why these carbon-atmosphere stars are found only between about 18,000 degrees and 23,000 degrees Kelvin.
Dufour and Liebert say they these stars might have evolved from a star like the unique, much hotter star called H1504+65 that Pennsylvania State University astronomer John A. Nousek, Liebert and others reported in 1986.
If so, carbon-atmosphere stars represent a previously unknown sequence of stellar evolution.
H1504+65 is a very massive star at 200,000 degrees Kelvin.
Astronomers currently believe this star somehow violently expelled all its hydrogen and all but a very small trace of its helium, leaving an essentially bare stellar nucleus with a surface of 50 percent carbon and 50 percent oxygen.
Astronomers had predicted in 1999 that stars nine or 10 times as massive as our sun would become white dwarfs with oxygen-magnesium-neon cores and mostly carbon-oxygen atmospheres. More massive stars explode as supernovae.
But scientists aren't sure where the dividing line is, whether stars eight, nine, 10 or 11 times as massive as our sun are required to create supernovae.
"We don't know if these carbon atmosphere stars are the result of nine-or-10 solar mass star evolution, which is a key question," Liebert said.
The UA astronomers plan making new observations of the carbon atmosphere stars at the 6.5-meter MMT Observatory on Mount Hopkins, Arizona, in December to better pinpoint their masses.
The observations could help define the mass limit for stars dying as white dwarfs or dying as supernovae, Dufour said. (ANI)
Tags: astronomers, astronomy professor, atmospheres, colleagues, degrees kelvin, detectable traces, dq, dufour, have evolved from, helium, james liebert, nuclear furnace, paris observatory, sdss, stellar core, steward observatory, supernovae, ua astronomy, universite de montreal, white dwarf stars


text:
The Blair School of Music proposes to advance the discovery of knowledge, to expand the horizons of musical expression, to promote academic excellence, and to sustain an environment supporting these pursuits by faculty and students.
As an organization, CAL works to preserve and nurture singing and choral performance for children and youth through programs engaging music's legacy of scholarship, leadership and teamwork.
Collective Art School of Tennessee offers professional performing arts instruction for children ages 3 to 18 with the intention of building character, confidence, and technical performing arts skills.
FASA is the red hot center of a movement to transform the arts in the 21st century.
Franklin School of Performing Arts was founded in 1991 by Kaylee Cahoon, former Nikolais and Louis Dance Company member. With artistic expression in the forefront of the vision for the school.
Nashville Ballet is the largest professional ballet company in Tennessee and promotes classical/contemporary dance performances, a superior dance school and a dynamic outreach program.
OZ is a destination for innovative contemporary art experiences.
Rocketown is a faith-based, youth outreach center in the heart of downtown Nashville. We have a large coffee bar space, two music venues, and a full skate park & shop.
ROOTS Academy is a performing arts studio located in the heart of Cool Springs that exists to nurture confidence in students of all ages through creativity and a love of the arts.
Street Theatre Company's youth program, ClassAct Dramatics, features year round opportunities for youth to participate in the arts.
We offer acting classes, dance classes for the performer, and vocal lessons either in a group setting or individual private lessons.
The American Academy of Dance was formed in the fall of 1986 to offer students an environment where they are capable of receiving personal attention in a demanding yet enjoyable atmosphere.
Since the doors to the Mercy Lounge first opened back in January of 2003, the cozy little club has been building a reputation for showcasing the best in burgeoning buzz-bands and renowned national talents.
Our goal is to provide excellent dance training to all types of dancers, including those without previous training. We aim to set up all dancers to reach goals they may at times believe are unobtainable.
Franklin Brentwood Arts Academy is one of the top performing arts schools in Tennessee. If you are new to music lessons, we offer Private Voice, Guitar, and Piano Lessons as well as Group Singing and Acting Classes.
We provide recreational and professional dance instruction in ballet, tap, jazz, modern, hip-hop and tumbling to over 450 students each week. we offer beginner, intermediate or advanced instruction.
The mission of Nashville Repertory Theatre is to be a flagship regional theatre by creating the highest quality professional theatre, serving Middle Tennessee.
Nashville School for the Arts is a public magnet high school including grades 9-12 for arts-interested students located in Nashville, Tennessee.
Street Theatre Company is a professional non-profit arts organization dedicated to pioneering innovative modern musical theatre in Nashville.


text:
Welcome to Heartspeak Productions
Video Catalogue and Store!
Your video resource for Restorative Justice.
Restorative Justice Is The LAW
Rent or Download
Restorative Justice Is The LAW - With John W. Conroy from Heartspeak Productions on Vimeo.
Purchase DVD
Supported by findings from neurobiology, corrections and Constitutional and international law, Restorative Justice Is The LAW is Heartspeak Productions' most challenging undertaking to date. The film illustrates that there are obligations and opportunities to respond restoratively at every level of the justice system and that the public interest is served when processes meet human rights obligations and satisfy sentencing objectives set out in the criminal code. It is made clear that a collective dedication to social justice, unalienable human rights and citizen participation in the legal system are as vital to implementing restorative justice as understanding our interconnectedness and creating the conditions for healing in our communities.
Heartspeak Producer Larry Moore explores the common ground between restorative Justice, human rights and the law in conversation with David L. Gustafson (MA, RCC, Fraser Region Community Justice Initiatives), John W. Conroy (Q.C. LL.B. Conroy and Company), Brenda Edwards (Legal Officer/Judicial Justice, Provincial Court of BC), Graham Stewart (MSW, E.D. John Howard Society of Canada, retired), Shannon Moore (Ph.D., Associate Professor, Dept. of Child and Youth Studies, Brock University), Elizabeth Elliott (Ph.D. Associate Professor, School of Criminology, Simon Fraser University), Howard Zehr (Ph.D., Professor, Restorative Justice, Eastern Mennonite University), Carley Julien (Alternatives to Violence Project Coordinator, Victoria Youth Custody Centre and Greater Victoria), Gabor Maté (Physician, Author, Public Speaker), Jonathan Rudin (Program Director, Aboriginal Legal Services of Toronto), Stuart Cadwallader (President, Kulus Consulting and Development), Barry Stuart (Chief Justice, Yukon Territorial Court, retired). (youtube & DVD 48 min.)
Produced by Heartspeak Productions with Fraser Region Community Justice Initiatives Association and funded by The Law Foundation of British Columbia.


text:
Rockford.edu / Calendar
« All Events
Come join CAB for a night of laughter and fun with Stand-up Comedian Paul Varghese! The show starts at 8pm in the Den. We hope to see you there!!
5050 East State Street
Rockford IL 61108
Campus Map & Directions
Faculty & Staff Directory
Copyright © 2018 Rockford University, all rights reserved


text: I have the D2pro with the NTSC SSBB and the Wii Unable to read the disc. I've tried Memorex and Verbatim +R DL. Memorex+R DL with Layer Break Calcuate Optimal and User Specified. Verbatim +R DL wirh Layer Break and also set default USA in RegionFrii. I know Verbatim are suggested as being the best.


text:
£6.99 - On Sale
TDG Inspired by detail, created by enthusiasts, developed for you. Hand made, hand poured and hand labelled car detailing products.
Zest Dressed, a pleasant lime cola scented polymer trim dressing. No silicone and non greasy formula for interior and exterior surfaces. Suitable for plastics, rubbers and vinyl, fantastic in the engine bay.
Apply a light coating to the surface using microfibre or foam applicator, wipe over with microfibre cloth for desired finish. Layer if necessary.
Avoid Skin and Eye contact, always wear gloves. Do Not Ingest, keep out of reach of children.


text:
EU–China Economic Relations to 2025
Rome [ENA] The 19th Summit between the European Union and the People's Republic of China held in Brussels on June 2017 has brought a number of significant advancements to the bilateral relationship, as well as offering fresh impetus to a partnership that has a global impact. The EU and China will face a continuous challenge in how to deal with the global context, and with the US.
EU–China cooperation must be perceived as a crucial factor to wider global governance cooperation and reform. This has to involve working with the US, which will remain the EU's main strategic global partner for a long time in the future. China is in the midst of a complex economic transition. Structural changes under way in its economy and slower rates of growth are creating new challenges for European and Chinese businesses operating there.
The impact of new technologies and innovation is expected to increase disorder to existing business models involving also new economic opportunities. In this scenario, differences over the role of the state in their respective economies suggest improbable convergence in the foreseeable future of the European and Chinese economic models. Significant differences between the political and economic systems of the EU and China add to the challenges of deepening their bilateral economic ties.
The European Union (EU) and China have much in common. Their GDPs (€14.72 trillion and €9.75 trillion, respectively, in 2015) rank number two and number three in the world, behind the United States (€16.64 trillion). They are two of the most externally-integrated economies in the world, with annual international trade in goods and services of €15 trillion (€5 trillion if only trade external to the EU is considered) and €4.75 trillion, respectively, in 2015. Their annual bilateral trade in goods and services stood at €580 billion in 2015, with each being the other's largest source of imports and second-largest export destination.
Both EU and Chinese leaders have confidence in effective rules-based multilateralism as the core of global governance. The two are also not security competitors. At the present time the United States is stepping back from playing a leadership role in backing more open global markets and there are deep concerns across the world about the negative impacts of globalization on income inequality. This overall shift makes it a particularly critical moment for the EU and China to ponder how to deepen the full range of their bilateral economic relationship by increasing trade and investment, encouraging cooperation in the areas of climate change, energy and the environment, and global governance, cooperating in science, technology and so on.
These endeavors can be mutually beneficial. They help to sustain economic growth, create jobs and improve levels of social welfare not only within their own societies but also globally. However, beyond trade in goods, many areas of economic relations remain under-developed, including trade in services, levels of foreign investment, cooperation on industrial and technological innovation, and financial market integration. Chinese imports of services developed at an average annual rate of more than 25 per cent between 2010 and 2015, and the EU's trade surplus in services with China has been growing at an average annual rate of 37 per cent since 2010, reaching €11 billion in 2015.
Current stocks of the cumulative direct investments of the EU and China in each other do not reveal their overall weight in the global economy or the extent of their trade. In 2015, the stock of EU foreign direct investment (FDI) in mainland China (not including Hong Kong) amounted to €168 billion, and investment stock from mainland China in the EU was only €35 billion (€115 billion including Hong Kong), even though Chinese investment flows into the EU have grown substantially in recent years. This contrasts with the stock of EU FDI in the US of €2.6 trillion and US FDI stock in the EU of €2.4 trillion.
The low stocks to date show that there is opportunity for an enormous increase in the coming years and decades in investment in both directions. Finally, bilateral coordination between the EU and China on significant issues for global governance, from deeper trade relations and financial cooperation to climate change policies, are a significant strategic advantage and contribute to the strengthening of the G20, the WTO, the UN and other appropriate multilateral bodies. This is likely to guarantee that the benefits of this deeper bilateral cooperation can realize their full potential and sustainability over time.


text:
Looking for content for your website? Need persuasive words for your program brochure or help polishing your prose? Our staff of writers and editors can assist with content writing, copywriting, copyediting and proofreading services. Our team is also responsible for producing Wesleyan magazine and the Wesleyan Connection e-newsletter, as well as its daily news blog, News @ Wes. Have a Wesleyan story to tell? We'd love to hear about it!
Working with Us
It's not grammar and it's not spelling. It's that shadowy third area of language that causes a lot of disagreements: style. Find out more about the do's and don'ts of Wes style in our Editorial Style Guide.
Contact Us
Bill Holder
Director of Communications
Editor, Wesleyan magazine
(860) 685-3699


text:
I spent the last week in New Orleans for a conference…where I saw none of the city as I was stuck in 12+ hours of meetings/seminars/lectures every day. BUT I did direct some of my mental energy towards contemplating one of life's biggest, most pressing issues. You see, Tony Stark and Bruce Wayne essentially have the same character framework. I'm not the first person to make this observation, but it's true. Both are insanely wealthy. Both have brilliant minds. Both run huge companies. Both lost their parents when they were young (albeit in different circumstances). Both became superheroes. Both are founding/central members in one of their universe's most important superhero teams – the Avengers and Justice League, respectively. Despite their similarities though, they are two VERY different characters with VERY different lives…which leads us to our BIG question – if you could choose, would you rather be Iron Man or Batman?? Continue reading
DC Comics
The Impossible Surprise of James Tynion IV's Batman: Detective Comics
I have to tip my hat to James Tynion IV. He's clearly one of our most talented modern comic writers. I've always been fairly ambivalent about DC. And I've never, ever liked Batman. I've said before I think he's overrated. In fact, he kind of annoys me. He's this grumpy malcontent whose emotional development stalled as the result of a childhood tragedy and now (somewhat ironically) recruits child soldiers to help him battle the most dangerous and disturbed minds on the planet. He's too dark, dangerous, and dour to ever be my sort of superhero. BUT James Tynion IV has taken this character I've never liked and created a comic I love around him. His Detective Comics is the lone DC book I need to read in my world of Marvel and IDW titles. Continue reading
Wonder Woman: A Salvific Triumph
Even with the Rotten Tomatoes score, I wasn't ready for this. Wonder Woman is a revelation. We now have a new standard bearer for what a superhero movie can do. There are no spoilers here, obviously. The movie just came out last night! Everyone needs to see this and experience for themselves just how inspiring a comic book movie can be. Marvel, and the world, need take notice too. DC's cinematic comic book universe has arrived and Wonder Woman is their flagship hero, carrying both the DCEU forward and the possible potential for all comic book movies. Finding what I did in watching Wonder Woman was the most incredible surprise. And you deserve that surprise too! So I'm not talking spoilers but I will speak of the film thematically and speak to how it managed to move me so profoundly. Continue reading
Wonder Woman…YOU'VE GOT THIS!!!
Okay, I shouldn't be writing right now. I should be going to bed. Tomorrow night's Baccalaureate and Thursday night's graduation. And my homeroom kids are graduating!! Aaaahhh!! I've had these kids for four years and I'm an emotional and nostalgic mess. I should be in bed. BUT I just read that Wonder Woman is currently sitting at a superhero-movie-record-setting 97% on Rotten Tomatoes!!! To give context, the best the Marvel Cinematic Universe has done on Rotten Tomatoes is Iron Man at 94%, The Avengers at 92%, Guardians Of The Galaxy at 91%, and Captain America: Civil War at 90%. (And nothing the DCEU's offered has rated "Fresh" so far.) Now, I make no attempt to hide that I'm a Marvel guy through and through. I also can't say I've been a huge fan of what the DCEU's offered so far. But I want Wonder Woman to hold this place and take this title. DC deserves this. Continue reading
Fandom's Gone Too Far: Our Destructive Sense of Ownership
We, as fans, can be passionate about what we love. We, as fans, should be passionate about what we love. What's love without passion?! However, there's a fine line between passionate love and destructive possession. If romantic love turns possessive we recognize it as an abusive relationship. This same sort of destructive possession exists in fandoms. The Ghostbusters are girls! Princess Leia isn't being recast for Episode IX! Harry should have been with Hermione! Steve Rogers is Hydra! George Lucas made Prequels! Riri Williams is Iron Man! SOMETHING IS NOT HOW I WANT IT TO BE!!! We're all welcome to our own opinions. We all have the right to not read/watch something we don't like. But we have no right to spew toxicity all over the internet/real life when something upsets us. This morning I read an article illustrating this problem of the ownership we presume to have, as fans, over what we love in a saddening new light. As such, I felt compelled to write this post. Continue reading
Silliness for the Soul
David and I went to see The LEGO Batman Movie tonight! This post isn't going to be a review though (so no need to fear spoilers). Rather, it's personal reflection on why this was a perfect example of the right movie at the right time for me. Yes, I'm already going to call it – this will be the best D.C. movie of the year, no contest. Heck, I'll confidently say this was the best D.C. movie since 2008's The Dark Knight! But that wasn't what I was thinking about as I watched it nor is that what I'm thinking about now. Rather I just keep thinking, "Wow, I really needed this." Continue reading
What Would Superman Do?
Granted, I don't write about DC often on this site. Yet just because Marvel has always held my heart doesn't mean I don't enjoy DC's characters in their own way. Nor does it mean I don't spend time thinking about them. In fact, Superman is one of the heroes who most often rattles around in my head. There is a story I've always wanted to see, a struggle that's uniquely Superman's. And I think about it all the time. Continue reading


text:
Share Price 90.10p
-1.40p (-1.53%)
Market Capitalisation
This document provides you with key information about our investment product. It is not marketing material. This information is required by law to help you understand the nature, risks, costs, potential gains and losses of our product and to help you compare it with other products. This document is only intended for UK investors.
Key Information Document as at 31 December 2017.
Key Information Document as at 31 January 2018.
Cookies This website uses cookies. Read our cookie policy for further details.
Occupier focused, Opportunity led


text:
The Norton Museum of Art is in the final year of the most comprehensive expansion in its history.
"In 2010, the Trustees of the Norton Museum of Art embarked on an ambitious plan for the Museum's future. Knowing that the Norton's mission extends far beyond the impact of an expanded building, The New Norton project evolved, redefining how the Museum will engage the public, and capitalizing on its curatorial strengths and forward-thinking educational initiatives. Designed by Pritzker-Prize winning architect Norman Foster, this extraordinary expansion will secure the Norton's legacy as a cultural beacon—a place where audiences explore and enjoy outstanding art for generations to come. The New Norton will be a vessel for our aspirations."
- Hope Alswang, Executive Director & CEO


text:
Our full-time employment must be our priority because without the income from our jobs, we can not financially fund all of the services we provide with 4HFES and NCSMART, LLC, NC EAST, and SHR.
In our "free time", we schedule service calls, transports, training programs, public appearances, and other obligations.
Below is our schedule of upcoming training programs; event stand-bys; public events and appearances; and other need to know dates.
This schedule covers dates for 4HFES and NCSMART, LLC, NC EAST, and SHR and is subject to change often to check back for updates!
Web Hosting powered by Network Solutions®


text:
Daily supply charge: 166.30 cents/day
General usage rates: 19.42 to 22.89 cents/kWh
8 cents/kWh exported
25 to 100% options available
|First 165 kWh
19.42 cents/kWh
22.89 cents/kWh
|Retailer payment of 8 cents per kWh exported for systems < or = 30kW capacity. All amounts are GST-inclusive (if any).
|8 cents/kWh exported
|$0.03 per unit of usage
|For 2.81 cents/kWh 50% of your electricity usage is matched with electricity from Government accredited GreenPower sources
|$0.06 per unit of usage
|For 5.61 cents/kWh 100% of your electricity usage will be matched with electricity from Government accredited wind GreenPower
|$2.00 weekly
|For $2 per week 25% of your electricity usage is matched with electricity from Government accredited GreenPower sources
2 Jul 2018
10 business days
No contract
The agreement continues until you or we end it..
ActewAGL Electricity
Available for homes with a Smart meter, Smart meter (no communications) or Basic meter
Every 3 months
We may vary the Charges (including the amount, nature & structure of any Charges) by notice to you at any time including during the benefit period (if any). The notice may be in a message on your next bill & will state the date of the variation.
All prices listed are inclusive of GST except where indicated.
Enter your details from a recent bill to receive a price estimate for this plan.
Offer not available in all areas. Discounts do not apply to other charges such as the GreenPower, Green Gas or supply charges. Visit originenergy.com.au/2889/Terms-and-conditions to find out more. If you are registered for GST and receive solar feed-in credits, then our solar feed-in tariff rate shown above also contains a GST component.
You must pay us any charges your distributor imposes on us in relation to services performed by your distributor (or anyone else) at your supply address. For details on additional charges that may apply see www.originenergy.com.au/2402/Additional-charges


text:
Giving to Curtin
Our Stories
"I am the first in my family to get a tertiary education so I know from personal experience how important it is, and I wanted to support others to experience the same benefits," says Ann.
She started contributing to the Give to Change program over three years ago, making regular contributions which are matched dollar-for-dollar by the University to selected initiatives.
One of those initiatives is the Staff-Funded Scholarship Fund, which provides fully-funded scholarships to students who might otherwise struggle to fund their studies through part-time work or family assistance.
"I am conscious that I didn't have to fund my studies to the same extent as today's students, so felt I should give back."


text:
Schultz (illness) is expected to be back in the lineup on Wednesday.
Schultz (undisclosed) will be a game-time decision on Saturday.
Schultz (lower-body) is on the ice for warmups; expected to play Tuesday.
Schultz (lower-body) will be a game-time decision on Tuesday.
Schultz has been sidelined by a lower-body injury for nearly one month, but could be back tonight in Philadelphia. Schultz took part in the Penguins morning skate, so monitor his status when the Pens hit the ice for warmups. He has two goals and eight assists (10 points) in 23 games in what has been an injury plagued season for the blueliner.
Schultz (lower-body) is not expected to return to the Penguins lineup on Sunday.
Schultz has been out since December 5th with a lower-body injury but he was on the ice for the Penguins morning skate, suggesting he is close to a return. Schultz stayed on late which suggests he'll be out yet again but could be back for next Tuesday's clash with the Flyers.
The Penguins have placed Justin Schultz (lower-body) on IR.
Schultz left Tuesday's loss to the Rangers after placing just 9:00 TOI and was placed on IR this morning. His movement to injured reserve means that Schultz will miss at least the next three games and is not eligible to return until next Thursday in Vegas. Frank Corrado has been recalled to take Schultz's spot on the roster.
Schultz suffered a lower-body injury on Tuesday and is doubtful for Thursday.
Source: @penguins 12/6/17, 8:47 am EST
The Penguins have activated Justin Schultz (concussion) from IR; expected to return to the Penguins lineup on Tuesday.
Schultz (concussion) will be a game-time decision on Tuesday.
Schultz (concussion) is skating and could join the Penguins on their road-trip.
The Penguins are in the middle of a five-game road trip and head coach Mike Sullivan said that Schultz is skating back in Pittsburgh and they haven't ruled out that he could join the team in Western Canada. With Schultz and Matt Hunwick out, Chad Ruhwedel and Zach Trotman will remain in the lineup.
The Penguins have placed Justin Schultz (concussion) on IR.
Schultz left Tuesday's game vs. Edmonton after being hit by Drake Caggiula and was diagnosed with a concussion postgame. It's hard to pinpoint how long he will be sidelined with a concussion, but his move to IR means he'll miss at least tonight's game. With Schultz on IR, the Penguins have used that roster spot to recall Frank Corrado.
Source: @penguins 10/26/17, 5:17 am EST
Schultz was diagnosed with a concussion after Tuesday's game with Edmonton.
Schultz lasted just 5:51 TOI before departing following a Drake Caggiula hit and was diagnosed with a concussion after the game. Concussions are tricky, so don't expect Schultz to play Thursday vs. Winnipeg.
The Penguins have re-signed Justin Schultz to a three-year deal worth $16.5M ($5.5M AAV).
Schultz (concussion) will be a game-time decision on Saturday.
Schultz has missed the last three games with a concussion, but was at practice on Friday and took part in today's morning skate which suggests he should be in the lineup tonight despite being listed as a game-time decision. Schultz should play a big role with Kris Letang, Trevor Daley and Olli Maatta all sidelined with injuries.
Source: @penguins 02/25/17, 9:27 am EST
Schultz (concussion) will be a game-time decision on Saturday.
Schultz (concussion) practiced on Thursday; expects to play on Saturday.
Schultz has missed the last three games with a concussion, but he took part in Thursday's practice and expects to be back in the lineup for Saturday's outdoor game vs. the Flyers. With Trevor Daley and Olli Maatta definitely out and Kris Letang potentially unavailable for that game, Schultz and his 39 points (9G / 30A) should play a huge role.
Schultz (concussion) will not play on Friday.
Schultz left Thursday's game with an undisclosed injury; questionable for Friday.
Schultz played just 8:40 before leaving Thursday's game with an undisclosed injury. The Penguins also lost Olli Maatta last night, so if Schultz can't go tonight they will be without two of their regular six defensemen. The Penguins recalled two blueliners this morning, which isn't a great sign for Schultz owners.
Source: Tom Reed 02/17/17, 7:43 am EST
The Penguins signed Justin Schultz to a one-year deal worth $1.4 million on July 13th.
Schultz, 26, was stuck on a bad Edmonton team for three and a half years, before being traded to Pittsburgh at last year's trade deadline. He enjoyed success with the Penguins, picking up eight points (1G / 7A) in 18 regular season games and four assists in 15 playoff games, en route to winning the Stanley Cup. Schultz's $1.4 million dollar contract is a pay-cut from his previous $3.9M AAV contract, but he wanted to stay in Pittsburgh.
Schultz is expected to replace Maatta in the Penguins lineup for Game 2.
Source: @penguins 05/16/16, 7:55 am EST


text:
A shadow passed across the setting sun and for a minute the world went dark. Jeff lay on his back and stared up with growing horror as the shape circled two hundred metres overhead, its green iridescent scales and razor-sharp wingtips glinting golden in the sunlight.
This week we get to touch on the ever-fascinating subject of the Andvell dragons.
These creatures come in a variety of sizes, colours, and defenses determined by age, geographical factors, such as climate and terrain, and primary food source. Green, red, and blue are the most common colours in dragons under three thousand years old, but after a time, the colours fade. Older dragons appear either brown or grey.
Dragon attacks, though rare, are not unheard of in this world, although it might seem that way from how House Feldall reacts when Talfyr wakes up. The people don't know what to do with the new threat, their fields and cattle scorched and stolen, not having had to deal with the situation for the last three hundred and fifty years.
We learn a bit about Feldall's history with Talfyr in Evensong, when Brady explains the story in the tapestries (to be seen in week F), but the connection between Andvell and dragons predates even that.
In Eventide, Brady mentions the Dragonkin, which is the last time the dragon and human worlds collided to any extreme degree. Before those days, after so long without hearing from the dragons, the Andvellians believed they'd disappeared from the earth, and allowed them to fall into legend. As a result, fewer daring and adventurous heroes scaled the Nagan Mountains to slay the beasts and destroy the nests. This meant half a century of hatching eggs and growing dragonlings, all unbeknownst to the people below, until one day the creatures grew tired of their mountain fare and unleashed their boredom on the nearest fields, making it as far as the capital and destroying hundreds of towns and villages along the way.
King Allarion had no idea what to do. He sent his army to ride against them, but they had to retreat from the fiery blasts of a dozen young dragons. His best sorcerers gathered to create wards around the city, but all that achieved was to protect himself while leaving the rest of his people to bear the brunt of the dragons' hunger.
For three months Andvell was under siege, the sorcerers and soldiers working slowly but steadily to take down the beasts who came too close. Dragon meat, though tough and mostly tasteless, became a popular dish as other meats became too expensive or difficult to acquire. Encouraged by the fact that they'd managed to slay so many of their enemy, more brave adventurers came out of retirement to hunt for glory, and the more of them that rode out, the faster the dragons perished. Soon, the sightings came every other day, and then once or twice a week instead of a few times a day, and hope rose that the siege would soon to be over.
One night as Allarion slept, he felt himself rise out of his body and travel towards the Nagan Mountains. Believing it to be a dream, he allowed the journey, amazed at the vivid details of the land below as he passed. It wasn't until the darkness of the mountain swallowed him that he began to feel afraid. The space around him was vast, the smallest noises echoing, and, unable to see, he felt small. A whoosh of flame, a spark of light, and suddenly the room was aglow as the walls lit up with fire, and Allarion's dream passed into nightmare.
Before him lazed a large brown dragon — larger than any he'd seen flying over his country. This one would have been too large to fly. It stared at him with golden eyes, the pupils slitted vertically, eyeing him with what Allarion could only call amusement.
His horror increased when the beast spoke, the words — perfectly comprehensible — falling into his head without being spoken. It introduced itself as Ixandris, the oldest of the Andvellian dragons, and among the world's dragon elders. He had slept for a thousand years and only woke now because of the risk to the last of his children. He knew they had been rash and stupid in attacking the humans, and that, as they would only realise once the humans were gone, they needed the soft folk to survive. Now, instead of worrying they'll starve to death, he has to worry they won't live long enough for starving to be an issue. So he would like to negotiate.
Allarion was uncertain, accepting that he wasn't in a dream, but actually present in some form in front of the dragon elder and having to make a decision that could potentially destroy his people. From the little he knew of dragon lore, he didn't know if he could trust Ixandris's words.
Ixandris assured him he expected nothing in return except for the Andvellians to leave his children alone. As thanks, he would ensure the same. He would scatter the nest, send them across the world to find new mountains, and Andvell would not be bothered as long as he lived. Although Allarion knew the solution couldn't be a permanent one, he saw that it would give his people time to develop better defenses, so he agreed.
The elder dragon did die eventually, but by then, so many dragons had left the Nagan Mountains that Andvell remained safe from all but the most occasional attacks. Taflyr is one of the few to remain, and is old enough that he only wakes up every five hundred years to feed. Except, of course, when his sleep is interrupted by power hungry sorcerers…